Gordon Hayward
Top Landing Spots: Philadelphia 76ers, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers
There’s no denying that Gordon Hayward is not the player he used to be. A combination of injuries and an unavoidable aging curve have brought an end to his days as a star.
He’s still a high-functioning playmaking wing and viable floor spacer. Any team looking to increase the power of their offensive punch ahead of 2021-22 ought to be interested in Hayward. He should be of good use to any competitive team.
The Hornets likely need to pair draft assets with Hayward’s contract if they are going to be able to move it. Another option would be to acquire an even bigger expiring contract to at least clear the 2023-24 cap sheet after handing out contract extensions to other players.
Nikola Vucevic
Top Landing Spots: Brooklyn Nets, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets
Nikola Vucevic had a rough 2021-22 season. His typically defensive limitations were an issue, but his three-point accuracy suffered a hit. If the Chicago Bulls feel they have enough firepower on offense, they may be willing to change things up at the five spot.
If Vooch isn’t spacing the floor, his value to a team nosedives. With that said, he’s likely to regain his typical efficiency to some extent this season. Any team with a primary ball-handler who’s most effective alongside a stretch big ought to take a flier on the former All-Star.
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If the Bulls could add a rim protector to their unit, they could really jump in overall defensive impact. They will be getting Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso back from injury, which will bolster their on-ball defensive capabilities significantly.
Matisse Thybulle
Top Landing Spots: Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic
Speaking of three-point efficiency, it’s the last quality Matisse Thybulle needs in order to become a long-time starter in the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers brought in renowned player development consultant Phil Beckner to work with him last season, but he still has a ways to go.
It’s worth noting that Thybulle shot 35.7% from long-range in his rookie year. That’s not an elite mark, but it’s good enough to justify a rotation spot for him. After all, he’s one of the best defensive wings in the entire league. There will be teams this summer who are willing to trade for him on those grounds alone.
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A team acquiring Thybulle will need to be confident they can make strides in his offensive development with their coaching staff. His value on defense is going to be hard to value as much as it should if he’s actively hindering his team’s floor spacing.
D’Angelo Russell
Top Landing Spots: Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards
It was a rough playoff for D’Angelo Russell land the Minnesota Timberwolves may be best suited to move on from his contract this offseason. He is entering the final year of his deal and if he’s not considered a member of their long-term core, now is the time to make a move.
There’s still plenty to like about what Russell can bring to a team that needs a bit of a boost in the playmaking and scoring department in their backcourt. He can play either guard position since he’s a bigger guard who can catch and shoot.
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It would be hard to believe if a team said they have Russell on the top of their wish-list this offseason. As a result, he could be a logical backup plan for a team that ends up missing out on their preferred options, much like Malcolm Brogdon.
